What do You Expect from a Graduate?

While working on an article about HVACR technician recruitement, I spoke with Jeff Taylor, lead HVACR instructor at the Mayfield College, Cathedral City, CA. The program includes training and testing in-part from a CD-Rom provided by Mainstream Engineering, Rockledge, FL.

"With electronic learning and testing, we now know the interactive CD-Rom approach directs students to areas needing improvement," Taylor says. "Plus, these kids were brought up with computer games, Ipods, and the Internet, so learning and testing from a computer is a less intimidating and productive process."

The CDs are designed with a "study mode," that points out areas that need extra attention. And, a 90% minimum score on practice tests is required before moving on to a certification examination.

Taylor and other instructors at Mayfield College realize that an HVACR graduate student better have a grasp of the basics before they start knocking on doors. With that in mind, he conducted his own survey of contractors, and asked what they want a graduate HVACR student to know the first day on the job. Here's the list of most common responses:

1. Subcooling/superheat: know what it is, and it's relationship to troubleshooting.

2. Thermostat wiring: have the ability to change from one type of thermostat or system to another.

3. Electrical failure: what component failed, and why?

4. Flame rectification: know how it works, and how to troublehoot the system.

5. External static pressure: know the relation of ESP to system operation, and how to take the readings. Define how to troubleshoot with this information.

7. Proper use of electrical meters: The ability to use any meter available to troubleshoot.

8. How to wire a potential relay: Know not only how to do this task but, explain what the Potential Relay is for and how it works.

9. Reclaim/Evacuation/Charge: The ability to reclaim, after repair is complete, evacuate a system, and properly charge a system.

10.Customer relations: understand the “big picture” of being a representative of a company. The effect on a customer of your appearance, and attitude.

That's a great list. As the HVACR industry continues in its mission to grow the ranks of qualified technicians, it's essential that students — your future technicians— are learning what they need to, for a good start on Day 1.

What's on your list of first-day technician essentials? Let me know when you "have a minute."